Wingham Library will be closed for about three months while MidCoast Council undertakes one of the biggest library renovation projects in a decade.
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The end result will see the library almost double in size.
Council is currently working through a tender process to select a builder for the project which is expected to start in early March.
"It is the single biggest library renovation project undertaken in the Mid Coast region for a decade and the largest enhancement of the library building in Wingham since the original establishment of the service," council's manager of libraries and community services, Chris Jones said.
The project was made possible thanks to a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government.
"We understand the closure impacts on our normal services and encourage Wingham residents to take advantage of our online collections, through the MidCoast Council Libraries website www.midcoastlibraries.com.au or to visit one of our other branches," council's manager of libraries and community services, Chris Jones said.
"While we understand community frustrations, we're also very excited for the future of Wingham Library."
Key features of the project include the installation of a lift to make the first floor fully accessible and an extension to the rear of the building.
The library, which is located in the historic School of Arts building in Wynter Street, will increase from 243 square metres to 442m2, making the library 82 per cent larger.
The building will also be re-carpeted and re-painted, with updated furniture and shelving and the upstairs area fitted out to create a relaxation and study area as well as having the functionality to hold events.
Funding will also be allocated to replace the roof on the existing building and resolve some maintenance issues.
"It was really important to us that the library maintain its heritage character so while it will be a dramatic expansion and overall transformation, it will be keeping with the style of the original building," Chris said.
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